BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a tape cartridge for coating film transfer tool
and a coating film transfer tool, and more particularly to a refill type coating film
transfer tool allowing replacement of coating film transfer tapes for transferring
such coating film as corrective paint layer and adhesive layer on the coating film
transfer tape to a sheet surface and the like.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] As examples of conventional coating film transfer tool, the inventors have already
proposed a coating film transfer tool disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent No. 5-138097
and Japanese Laid-open Utility Model No. 5-13800, for example.
[0003] Both coating film transfer tools are used mainly as an erasing tool for correcting
errors and the like, and a pay-out reel (c) with a coating film transfer tape (b)
wound thereabout and a winding reel (d) for collecting the coating film transfer tape
(b) after use are provided rotatably in a case (a) that is held by hand for operation
thereof as shown in FIGs. 26 (a) and (b). In a leading end of the case (a), a coating
film transfer head (f) is provided projectingly for pressing the coating film transfer
tape (b) onto a transfer area (correction area in a sheet surface) (e). The coating
film transfer tape (b) paid out from the pay-out reel (c) is arranged such that it
is dragged through the pressing part (g) in a leading end of the head (f) and windingly
held about the winding reel (d).
[0004] In such case, the case (a) is a depressed box geometrically and dimensionally sufficient
for containing the pay-out reel (c) and winding reel (d). Flat front and back surfaces
of the case (a), that is, front and back surfaces with respect to the sheet surface
of FIGs. 26 (a) and (b) provide gripping surfaces for manually operating the tool.
[0005] In a coating film transfer tool shown in FIG. 26 (a), the pressing part (g) in a
leading end of the head (f) is arranged such that the coating film transfer tape (b)
is guided as it is wound about the pay-out reel (c) and winding reel (d), and the
tool is constructed for allowing so-called vertical pulling use that is suitable for
correcting, for example, a part of such sentence written in a vertical line in Japanese
and the like. On the other hand, in a coating film transfer tool shown in FIG. 26
(b), the pressing part (g) of head (f) is arranged such that the coating film transfer
tape (b) is guided generally facing against the gripping surface of case (a), and
the tool is constructed for allowing so-called lateral pulling use that is suitable
for correcting, for example, a part of such sentence written in a lateral line in
English and the like.
[0006] Then, in order to erase an error by using the coating film transfer tools, the gripping
surfaces of case (a) are held by fingers, and the case (a) is moved in the specified
direction (shown by arrow in FIG. 26 (a) or vertical to the sheet surface in FIG.
26 (b)), respectively, while the coating film transfer tape (b) is tightly pressed
against the correction area (e). In such manner, a corrective paint layer of the coating
film transfer tape (b) in the pressing part (g) of head (f) is applied onto the correction
area (e), a letter or the like in the area is erased, and the used coating film (b)
is collected by the winding reel (d).
[0007] Incidentally, effective use of earth resources has been particularly emphasized in
these days, and it is desirable in a coating film transfer tool of the type to have
so-called refill type structure for allowing replacement of the coating film transfer
tape (b) only that is a consumable supply, because saving of resources is demanded.
[0008] In this respect, in a coating film transfer tool of vertical pulling type shown in
FIG. 26 (a), various tape cartridges replaceably employed in the case (a) are proposed.
Such tape cartridges provided as a consumable supply can be generally classified to
structures composed of a combination of four components in total, that is, the coating
film transfer tape (b), the pay-out reel (c), winding reel (d) and head (f) and a
combination of three components in total, that is the coating film transfer tape (b),
pay-out reel (c), and winding reel (d).
[0009] In a tape cartridge of the former type, all four components (b), (c), (d) and (f)
are provided in a plastic container, and they are completely replaced for a used cartridge.
On the other hand, in a tape cartridge of the latter type, the three components (b),
(c) and (d) are temporarily held by a holding member which is removed in replacement
of a used tape cartridge.
[0010] However, either type of the tape cartridge has such problem as described below, and
further modification has been demanded.
[0011] That is, in the former, most of main components of the coating film transfer tool
are replaced as consumable items, and all such components are housed in a plastic
container, therefore, many components are used, the structure thereof is complex and
bulky, and the cost for manufacturing the replacement parts themselves is high. Thus,
such advantage of the refill type as saving of resources and reduction of running
cost cannot be sufficiently achieved. Besides, as the plastic container itself is
relatively bulky because of the structure, it leads to increase in size of a coating
film transfer tool, and has been disadvantageous for providing portableness and easy
operation.
[0012] In the case of the latter, because a holding member for temporarily holding the components
is used, and replacement thereof is relatively complicated as well as troublesome,
it is required to be more or less familiar with the operation, and easy and proper
replacement cannot be assured, therefore, to all general users.
[0013] Moreover, in the coating film transfer tool of lateral pulling type shown in FIG.
26 (b), because the pressing part (g) of head (f) guides the coating film transfer
tape (b) with the tape generally facing against the gripping surface of the case (a),
it has been practically impossible to provide a refill type structure for allowing
replacement of the coating film transfer tape (b) only.
[0014] That is, in the coating film transfer tool, because of the structure, the coating
film transfer tape (b) is necessarily twisted 90° in the head (f). Therefore, it is
also difficult for a manufacturer to automatically assemble the tool, which is actually
assembled manually by skilled workers.
[0015] On the other hand, in order to provide a refill type structure for allowing replacement
of the coating film transfer tape (b) that is a consumable item, it is required that
disassembly and assembly of a coating film transfer tool and replacement of the coating
film transfer tape (b) are basically achieved by a user. Thus, it has been an essential
issue to develop such structure that the series of operations can be easily, rapidly
and properly conducted by a general user to allow replacement of the coating film
transfer tape (b).
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is a primary object of the invention to provide a novel tape cartridge that eliminates
the conventional problems for a coating film transfer tool.
[0017] It is other object of the invention to provide a tape cartridge comprising fewer
components in a small and simple structure for achieving a compact coating film transfer
tool and allowing easy, rapid and proper replacement.
[0018] It is further object of the invention to provide a coating film transfer tool of
refill type used as a kind of stationery and allowing easy replacement of coating
film transfer tapes.
[0019] It is a different object of the invention to provide a coating film transfer tool
of such refill type for lateral pulling use.
[0020] A tape cartridge according to the invention comprises a pay-out reel with a coating
film transfer tape wound thereabout and a winding reel for collecting the coating
film transfer tape after use provided rotatably on a support base in a form of a flat
plate, wherein the reels are removably and integrally rotatably engaged, respectively,
in a pay-out rotation part and winding rotation part that is provided rotatably in
the case. Preferably, the support base comprises a thin plate member having a sufficient
strength for holding the reels with a spacing corresponding to the rotation parts,
and is arranged such that one of the surfaces of the support base provides a running
and guiding surface for the coating film transfer tape.
[0021] A coating film transfer head for pressing the coating film transfer tape to the transfer
area may be also provided on the support base, and in this case, the coating film
transfer tape paid out from the pay-out reel is wound on the winding reel through
the leading end pressing part of the head.
[0022] A coating film transfer tool according to the invention is constructed for removably
and replaceably containing the tape cartridge in a case hand-held for operation, wherein
a pay-out rotation part and a winding rotation part are rotatably attached in the
case, respectively, the pay-out reel and winding reel of the tape cartridge are removably
placed on the rotation parts, respectively.
[0023] The coating film transfer head for pressing the coating film transfer tape of the
tape cartridge on the transfer area is projected at the leading end of the case or
is provided on the support base of the tape cartridge. The case has a pair of confronting
gripping surfaces so as to be held in hand like a writing tool.
[0024] The head is rotatably operative between a coating film transfer tape replacement
position and application position as well as being fixed at an angle for vertical
pulling use, and the pressing part in the leading end of the head guides the coating
film transfer tape as it is wound about the pay-out reel and winding reel in the coating
film replacement position and as it generally faces against gripping surfaces of the
case of the case in the application position.
[0025] Now, in the case of a tape cartridge according to the invention, because the pay-out
and winding reels are attached to the support base, replacement is conducted for each
support base.
[0026] In such case, replacement is completed by placing the support base on the rotation
parts with the reels held in engagement with the pay-out and winding rotation parts
of the coating film transfer tool, and setting a coating film transfer tape to the
coating film transfer head of the case.
[0027] In the case of the coating film transfer head disposed on the support base, while
both reels are engaged with a pay-out rotation part and a winding rotation part of
the case main body of the coating film transfer tool and the head is set on the head
holding part provided at the leading end of the case main body, the support base is
mounted on the rotation parts, thereby the replacement job is completed.
[0028] In addition, in a coating film transfer tool according to the invention, as the head
is rotatably operative between a coating film transfer tape replacement position and
an application position, the pressing part in a leading end of the head guides the
coating film transfer tape as it is wound about the pay-out and winding reels in the
coating film transfer tape replacement position and as it generally faces against
gripping surfaces of the case in the application position, two requirements conventionally
unachievable, that is, lateral pulling use and replacement of coating film transfer
tapes can be met simultaneously in a structure.
[0029] In other words, because a coating film transfer tape is guided by the pressing part
of the head as the tape generally faces against gripping surfaces of the case during
use, the coating film transfer tape can be pressed tightly against a sheet surface
or the like by means of the pressing part of the head by holding the case itself in
an attitude similar to that of a writing tool, and a corrective paint layer of the
coating film transfer tape is transferred to the sheet surface or the like by moving
the case laterally or in the right or left direction with respect to the sheet surface
or the like.
[0030] In replacement of a coating film transfer tape, firstly the head is rotated from
the application position to the coating film transfer tape replacement position. In
such manner, as the coating film transfer tape in the head part is operated from 90°
twisted to parallel state in relation to the winding attitude of the pay-out and winding
reels so that the coating film transfer tape can be easily detached with respect to
the head, the tape cartridge can be replaced by opening the case in that state.
[0031] Here, such expression that the coating film transfer tape "generally faces against
gripping surfaces of the case" means that front and back surfaces of a coating film
transfer tape generally face against gripping surfaces of the case, that is, the front
and back surfaces of the coating film transfer tape are generally in the same direction
as that of gripping surfaces of the case or in parallel therewith, which applies throughout
the specification.
[0032] The above and other objects and features of the invention will be clearly appreciated
by reading a detailed description of embodiments of the invention in connection with
attached drawings and novel features of the invention depicted in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an erasing tool in embodiment 1 of the
invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tape cartridge for use with the erasing tool.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a front view of the tape cartridge.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a tape cartridge taken along a line I-I of FIG. 3.
[0037] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the tape cartridge.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a sectional view for explaining attachment of the tape cartridge to a tape
driving part.
[0039] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of a case body
of the erasing tool.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a magnified perspective view for explaining operation of a backstop arrangement
in the erasing tool.
[0041] FIG. 9 is perspective views showing the structure of a rotationally operated part
in the erasing tool, FIG. 9 (a) showing a relation between a coating film transfer
head and the rotationally operated part, and FIG. 9 (b) a positioning element in the
rotation part.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a partly cut-open front view showing the coating film transfer head and
rotationally operated part in the erasing tool, when the coating film transfer head
is in an application position.
[0043] FIG. 11 is perspective views for explaining operation of the rotationally operated
part, FIG. 11 (a) showing a cap member attached to a cylindrical leading end of a
case, and FIG. 11 (b) rotating operation of the cap member.
[0044] FIG. 12 is perspective views showing an appearance of the erasing tool, FIG. 12 (a)
showing a state when the coating film transfer head is in a coating film transfer
tape replacement position, and FIG. 12 (b) when the head is in an application position.
[0045] FIG. 13 is front views showing an inside of the erasing tool, FIG. 13 (a) showing
a state when a coating film transfer head is in a coating film transfer tape replacement
position, and FIG. 13 (b) when the head is in an application position.
[0046] FIG. 14 is perspective views for explaining how to use the erasing tool, FIG. 14
(a) showing vertical pulling use, and FIG. 14 (b) lateral pulling use.
[0047] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an erasing tool in embodiment 2 of the
invention.
[0048] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a tape cartridge of the erasing tool.
[0049] FIG. 17 is a front view of the tape cartridge.
[0050] FIG. 18 is a sectional view along line II-II in FIG. 17 showing the tape cartridge.
[0051] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the tape cartridge.
[0052] FIG. 20 is a sectional view for explaining the mounting procedure of the tape cartridge
on the tape drive unit.
[0053] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of an internal structure of a case main body
of the erasing tool.
[0054] FIG. 22 shows the clutch mechanism of the erasing tool, FIG. 22 (a) being a sectional
view and FIG. 22 (b) being a perspective view showing a friction member of the clutch
mechanism.
[0055] FIG. 23 shows the mounting structure of coating film transfer head of the erasing
tool, FIG. 23 (a) being a front view showing a partial section of the relation between
the coating film transfer head and head mounting part of support base, specifically
showing the coating film transfer head at the coating film transfer tape replacement
position, and FIG. 23 (b) being a partially cut-away front view showing the relation
between the coating film transfer head and rotationally operated part of the case,
specifically showing the coating film transfer head at the application position.
[0056] FIG. 24 is a magnified side view of a modified example of the leading end pressing
part of the coating film transfer head of the erasing tool.
[0057] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a modified example of an interlocking part
of the tape drive unit in the erasing tool in embodiment 1.
[0058] FIG. 26 is a partially cut-away front view of an internal structure of a conventional
erasing tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0059] Referring now to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are described
in detail below.
[0060] FIG. 1 through FIG. 25 show the tape cartridge and coating film transfer tool according
to the invention, and same reference numerals throughout the drawings represent identical
or similar constituent members or elements.
Embodiment 1
[0061] A coating film transfer tool as embodiment 1 of the invention is depicted in FIG.
1 through FIG. 14.
[0062] The coating film transfer tool 1 is particularly used as an erasing tool for correcting
errors or the like, and is of a cartridge type or refill type structure for allowing
replacement of a coating film transfer tape T as a consumable supply.
[0063] The erasing tool 1 comprises, as shown in FIG. 1, a tape cartridge C, tape driving
part D, coating film transfer head H and rotationally operated part R attached to
a case 2 that can be hand-held for operation. In the erasing tool 1, the head 1 can
be rotationally operated between a coating film transfer tape replacement position
(and vertical pulling position) X shown in FIGs. 12 (a) and 13 (a) and an application
position (lateral pulling position) in FIGs. 12 (b) and 13 (b). The parts are described
one by one below.
I. Case 2:
[0064] The case 2 is formed in a flat box-like shape as shown, and has a front geometry
and dimensions sufficient for incorporating the tape cartridge C and tape driving
part D. As described later, flat front and back surfaces 2a, 2b of the case 2 provide
gripping surfaces for manually holding the tool during operation.
[0065] The case 2 is a plastic molding obtained by injection or other molding method, and
comprises disassemble blocks of a main case body 3 and a cap 4. For this purpose,
in an opening of the main case body 3, a fitting recess 3a is provided over the entire
circumference thereof, and a fitting rib 4a is formed in the cap 4 so that it can
be received by the fitting recess 3a for engagement therewith. In a rear end of the
main case body 3, an engagement part 3b, and an engagement claw 4b is formed for engagement
with the engagement part 3b in the cap 4. The main case body 3 and cap 4 have semicylindrical
halves 3c and 4c in a leading end thereof, respectively, and the semicylindrical halves
3c, 4c are connected and integrated by a cap member 5, which will be described later.
[0066] Thus, for assembling the case 2, first of all, the engagement part 3b is brought
in engagement with the engagement claw 4b in the cap 4, then the semicylindrical halves
3c, 4c are assembled and integrated with each other, while the fitting rib 4a is fitted
in the fitting recess 3a. Finally, by fitting the cap member 5 over the assembled
part (cylindrical leading end) 6, assembly of the case 2 is completed.
[0067] In addition, the main case body 3 has an access window 7 (see FIG. 7) for adjustment
of a coating film transfer tape T, when it is loose, as described below. The cap 4
has three balance confirmation windows 8a to 8c for confirming a remaining amount
of the coating film transfer tape T.
II. Tape cartridge C:
[0068] The tape cartridge C is a component replaceable as a consumable item. The detailed
structure of tape cartridge C is shown in FIGs. 2 to 5. The tape cartridge C comprises
a pay-out reel 11 with the coating film transfer tape T wound thereabout and a winding
reel 12 for collecting used coating film transfer tape T' which are rotatably provided
in a support base 11. The tape cartridge C is detachably attached to the tape driving
part D of case 3, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0069] The support base 10 comprises a thin flat plate, and is materially and dimensionally
selected to be as thin and compact as possible within a range of providing a strength
sufficient for holding the reels 11, 12. In other words, the support base 10 is required
to function for holding the reels 11, 12 only until they are attached to the tape
driving part D, and desired to be as thin and compact as possible, as far as a minimum
strength for achieving the function is assured.
[0070] In an embodiment shown, the support base 10 is made of AS (acrylonitrile-styrene)
resin or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, and dimensionally set to a thickness
of 1 mm or less. A front surface of the support base 10 is formed with a part extending
geometrically along an outer circumference of the reels 11, 12, as shown in FIG. 3.
A surface or upper surface 10a of the support base 10 serves as a running and guiding
surface of the coating film transfer tape T.
[0071] The pay-out reel 11 and winding reel 12 are provided with hollow drum parts 11a,
12a, respectively, for winding the coating film transfer tape T thereabout. The drum
parts 11a, 12a is provided with attachment holes 11b, 12b having such tooth profile
engagement part as serration or spline in the center.
[0072] The drum parts 11a, 12a of the reels 11, 12 are rotatably supported with support
ends thereof in support holes 10b, 10c of the support base 10. Practically, annular
fitting grooves 13,13 are formed in a support end of the drum parts 11a, 12a, respectively,
and the fitting grooves 13,13 are rotatably fitted and supported in an inner diametric
edge of the support holes 10b, 10c. In this connection, in an outer circumferential
part of the support holes 10b, 10c, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of slits 14, 14
... are radially extended for inserting the drum parts, respectively.
[0073] The coating film transfer tape T is wound about an outer circumference of the drum
part 11a in the pay-out reel 11, and a leading end in the pay-out side is connected
to an outer circumference of the drum part 12a in the winding reel 12. The coating
film transfer tape T structurally consists of, for example, a film base (about 25
to 38 µm thick) of such plastic material as polyester and acetate films or paper,
such release agent layer as vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin and low molecular
polyethylene formed in one side of the film base, a white corrective paint layer over
the release agent layer and such adhesive (pressure sensitive adhesive) layer as pressure
sensitive polyurethane further applied over the paint layer (detailed structure not
shown). For the corrective paint layer, so-called dry type paint is employed that
allows writing in a corrected area immediately after the paint is transferred.
[0074] While a free end of the drum part 11a in the pay-out reel 11 is left as it is to
be an open end, a free end of the drum part 12a in the winding reel 12 is provided
with a guide flange 15 for running the tape.
[0075] Such structure is employed because it is desired in the side of pay-out reel 11 that
the free end of drum part 11a should have no flange in order to smoothly wind the
coating film transfer tape T during a manufacturing process, while the coating film
transfer tape T can be smoothly paid out even without a guide flange. On the other
hand, in the side of winding reel 12, the guide flange 15 is essential to smoothly
wind and collect the coating film transfer tape T'. If the guide flange is absent,
it is difficult to wind the coating film transfer tape T' in alignment about the outer
circumference of drum part 12a, because it goes out of control, and the coating film
transfer tape T' wound and collected may, in the worst case, disturb rotation of the
winding reel 12, causing an inoperative condition of the erasing tool 1.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, the reels 11, 12 are positioned in the support base 10 such that
the attachment holes 11b, 12b are coaxial, respectively, with the pay-out rotation
part 30 and winding rotation part 31 in the tape driving part D.
[0077] Additionally, a mounting flange 10d is formed integrally with the support base 10
in the vicinity of attachment positions of the reels 11, 12, and a pair of guide pins
20, 21 are integrally provided upright in the mounting flange for guiding the coating
film transfer tape T. The guide pin 20 is for guiding the coating film transfer tape
T paid out of the pay-out reel 11, and the other guide pin 21 is for guiding the coating
film transfer tape T' that is wound and collected by the winding reel 12.
[0078] Further, a collared guide roller 22 is freely rotatably pivoted by the guide pin
21 in the winding side. By means of such arrangement, guiding of the coating film
transfer tape T' is enhanced for smoothly winding it in alignment, and such problem
can be surely avoided that the coating film transfer tape T' is wound about the guide
pin 21, even when a part of the coating film is left in the coating film transfer
tape T' due to a failure in film transfer. A similar guide roller may be also attached
to the guide pin 20 in the pay-out side.
[0079] A leading pay-out end portion Ta of the coating film transfer tape T comprises a
film base without any coating film so that it is easily set to the case 2, and is
set in such condition that a part of its length corresponding to a distance between
the pay-out reel 11 to the position of head H is already paid out. In order to maintain
the setting condition, a stopper 25 as shown by a two-dot long and two short dashes
line in FIGs. 3 and 4 is employed.
[0080] The stopper 25 is made of a material similar to that of the support base 10. The
stopper 25 is formed in such shape and dimensions, as shown in the figures, that it
extends over the attachment holes 11b, 12b of reels 11, 12, and provided with a pair
of engagement projections 25a, 25b in a lower surface thereof. Then, by removable
fitting engagement between the engagement projections 25a, 25b and the attachment
holes 11b, 12b, respectively, the reels 11, 12 are stopped and held against rotation.
The stopper 25 may be made of paper.
[0081] Thus, in the tape cartridge C constructed in such manner, as shown in FIGs. 6 (a)
and (b), the support base 10 is rested on the rotation parts 30, 31 of the tape driving
part D with the reels 11, 12 fitted to the rotation parts 30, 31. The reels 11, 12
are thereby detachably set to the rotation parts 30, 31, respectively for integral
rotation therewith by a single operation. On the other hand, by simply lifting the
support base 10, the reels 11, 12 can be easily removed from the rotation parts 30,
31 through a single operation.
III. Tape driving part D:
[0082] The tape driving part D is provided in the main case body 3. The tape driving part
D comprises, as shown in FIGs. 6 and 7, mainly the pay-out rotation part 30 for rotatably
driving the pay-out reel 11, a winding rotation part 31 for rotatably driving the
winding reel 12 and an interlocking part 32 for interlocking the rotation parts 30,
31.
[0083] The pay-out rotation part 30 and winding rotation part 31 comprise hollow rotating
shafts 35, 36 formed integrally with rotating disks 37, 38, respectively. The rotating
shafts 35, 36 are freely rotatably supported by hollow support shafts 39, 40 provided
upright in an inner surface of the main case body 3.
[0084] In an outer circumference of the rotating shafts 35, 36, a toothed engagement part
such as serration and spline is formed, respectively, in correspondence with the toothed
engagement part of attachment holes 11b, 12b in the pay-out reel 11 and winding reel
12, as shown in the figures. Then, the pay-out reel 11 and winding reel 12 are attached
to the rotating shafts 35, 36 for integral rotation therewith, as described above,
as the attachment holes 11b, 12b are disengageably fitted with and supported by the
engagement parts.
[0085] The interlocking part 32 is for interlocking the winding rotation part 31 and pay-out
rotation part 30, and comprises the rotating disks 37, 38 and slide means 50.
[0086] The slide means 50 serves for transferring rotational movement between the rotation
parts 30, 31, and functioning additionally as slide means to synchronize pay-out and
winding speeds of the coating film transfer tape T in the pay-out and winding reels
11, 12, and practically comprise a frictional member, for example, an O ring of silicone
rubber and the like. The frictional member 50 is attached to an outer circumference
of the rotating disk 37 in the driving side, and frictionally engage with an outer
circumference of the other rotating disk 38 in the driven side.
[0087] For reducing a cost associated with the frictional member 50, the frictional member
50 may be attached, in a not shown manner, to an outer circumferential part of the
rotating disk 38 in the driven side, which has an outer diameter less than that of
the rotating disk 37. In such case, the frictional member 50 frictionally engages
with the outer circumference of rotating disk 37.
[0088] The ratio of rotation or the ratio of outer diameter between the rotating disks 37,
38 in the driving and driven sides is appropriately determined, considering a winding
diameter of the coating film transfer tape T in the reels 11, 12, so that the coating
film transfer tape T can be smoothly paid out, and wound.
[0089] Accordingly, by pressing action of the head H, as will be described later, when a
tensile force (in the direction of arrow A) applied to the coating film transfer tape
T acts as a rotational torque to the pay-out reel 11, the pay-out reel 11 and thereby
the rotating disk 37 in the pay-out rotation part 30 are rotated. The rotational torque
effects rotation of the rotating disk 38 of winding rotation part 31 that is in the
driven side and further interlockingly the winding reel 12 by means of a frictional
force of the frictional member 50, and the used coating film transfer tape T' is,
therefore, automatically wound.
[0090] In this case, the ratio of rotation (corresponding to the ratio of outer diameter)
between the rotating disks 37 and 38 in the driving and driven sides is unchanged
at any time, while the ratio of outer diameter between the coating film transfer tape
T about the pay-out reel 11 and the coating film transfer tape T' about the winding
reel 12 shows a time-course change, and is inconstant. It means that the outer diameter
of the coating film transfer tape T about the pay-out reel 11 is gradually reduced
as the tape is used, while the outer diameter of the coating film transfer tape T'
about the winding reel 12 is increased on the contrary.
[0091] Therefore, the winding speed of the winding reel 12 is increased in comparison with
the pay-out speed of pay-out reel 11 as time elapses, and the rotational torque acting
to the pay-out reel 11 is also gradually increased, because the speeds comes to be
asynchronous with each other. Then, as the rotational torque overcomes the frictional
force of the frictional member 50, and the rotating disk 37 in the driving side rotatively
slips in relation to the rotating disk 38 in the driven side, the pay-out speed and
winding speed are synchronized with each other, and a smooth driving of the coating
film transfer tape T is assured.
[0092] As shown in FIGs. 7 and 8, the winding rotation part 31 is provided with a backstop
mechanism 60 for preventing reverse rotation of the reels 11, 12. The backstop mechanism
60 comprises an engagement claw 60a provided in the rotating disk 38 and multiple
backstop claws 60b, 60b ... arranged in the form of a ring concentric with the hollow
supporting shaft 40 in an inner surface of the main case body 3. Thus, when the reels
11, 12 are turned in the direction of arrow in FIG. 8, the engagement claw 60a is
elastically changed in shape, and gets over the backstop claws 60b, 60b ... to allow
the normal rotation. On the contrary, when the reels 11, 12 are turned in the direction
opposite to that of the arrow, the engagement claw 60a is engaged with one of the
backstop claws 60b, 60b ..., and prevents the inverse rotation. The backstop mechanism
may be employed in the pay-out rotation part 30.
[0093] In association with the backstop mechanism 60, a tension correcting dial 61 is provided
in the pay-out rotation part 30 for maintaining the coating film transfer tape T under
a proper tension, as shown in FIG. 7. The tension correcting dial 61 comprises multiple
notches 61a, 61a ... formed in a lower part of the rotating disk 37 over an entire
length of an outer circumference thereof. In correspondence with the tension correcting
dial 61, the access window 7 is provided in the main case body 3, and the tension
of the coating film transfer tape T is appropriately corrected by manually rotating
the tension correcting dial through the access window 7.
IV. Coating film transfer head H:
[0094] The coating film transfer head H is for pressing the coating film transfer tape T
against such correction area (transfer area) as an error in a sheet surface, and is
attached to an inner circumference of the cylindrical leading end 6 in the case 2
for rotation about the axis.
[0095] The head H is made of a plastic material having some degree of elasticity, and comprises
a head body 65 for guiding and pressing the coating film transfer tape T and a bearing
part 66 held in the cylindrical leading end 6.
[0096] The head body 65 is a thin plate slightly wider than the coating film transfer tape
T, and is tapered in section such that it is gradually reduced in thickness toward
a leading end thereof, and a leading end 65a of the head body provides a pressing
part for pressing the coating film transfer tape T. In addition, the head body 65
is formed with guide flanges 65b, 65b in either edge thereof for guiding the coating
film transfer tape T.
[0097] The bearing part 66 has an arcuate section open in an upper part thereof to form
a semicylindrical shape, as shown in FIGs. 1, 7, 9 (a) and 10, and is rotatably supported
in the semicylindrical halves 3c, 4c of case 2. Further, an arcuate flange 66a is
formed in a base end of the bearing part 66 for axial positioning, and is rotatably
fitted to a cylindrical engagement groove 67 in the semicylindrical halves 3c 4c.
By means of such arrangement, the head H is axially positioned in the cylindrical
leading end 6 of case 2, and rotatably attached about the axis.
[0098] The head main body 65 is integrally provided as shown in the drawing in the middle
portion of the semicylindrical bearing 66. An open end 68 of the bearing 66 is a tape
setting aperture into the head main body 65. This tape setting aperture 68 is located
so that the coating film transfer tape T may be directly inserted in the state being
wound about the both reels 11, 12 when the head H is at the coating film transfer
tape replacement position X, so that the coating film transfer tape T may be set easily
in the head main body 65.
V. Rotationally operated part R:
[0099] The rotationally operated part R is for rotationally operating the head H, and comprise
a cap member 5 detachably attached to the cylindrical leading end 6 and a positioning
part 71 provided in an outer circumference of the cylindrical leading end 6.
[0100] The cap member 5 is an integral molding of plastic material, and comprises a base
part 72 fitted over the cylindrical leading end 6 and an engagement part 73 integrally
engaged with the head H in the rotating direction.
[0101] The base part 72 serves as an assembly fixing member for the case 2 and a rotationally
operated part. a cylindrical bore of the base part 72 is set such that the base part
can be rotatably fitted over the outer circumference of cylindrical leading end 6,
and multiple toothed anti-slip ribs are formed in an outer circumference thereof.
The engagement part 73 is provided with a through hole 74 for receiving the head H.
The through hole 74 is dimensionally configured such that the cap member 5 and the
head H are integrally engaged with each other in the rotating direction, when the
head H is received through the hole, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0102] The positioning part 71 is for resiliently positioning and fixing the cap member
5 in position in the direction of rotation, and is provided in a pair opposing to
each other in an outer circumference of the cylindrical leading end 6. The pair of
positioning parts 71, 71 has an identical structure, and the positioning part 71 in
the side of cylindrical half 4c in the cap 4 is described below.
[0103] The positioning part 71 comprises, as shown in FIGs. 9 and 10, a fit-in guide groove
71a extending linearly in the axial direction of the cylindrical leading end 6 and
an anchor guide groove 71b extending from an end of the fit-in guide groove 71a in
the circumferential direction of the cylindrical leading end 6. In the embodiment
shown, the anchor guide groove 71b is formed in a range of central angle of 90° of
the cylindrical leading end 6, as shown in FIG. 10, and provided with a first and
second engagement parts 75a and 75b in either end thereof.
[0104] The first and second engagement parts 75a and 75b are formed as recesses deeper than
the guide grooves 71a, 71b. The engagement recesses 75a, 75b are disengageably engaged
with an engagement projection (engagement part) 76 that is provided in an inner circumference
of the cap member 5. In other words, the engagement projection 76 is geometrically
and dimensionally set such that it is guided along the guide grooves 71a, 71b, while
it is elastically changed in shape to some relative extent, and fitted in the engagement
recesses 75a, 75b through elastic restoration.
[0105] The engagement projection 76 and engagement recesses 75a, 75b are positionally set
for engagement with each other in such relation as described below.
[0106] Thus, when the engagement projection 76 of the cap member 5 is in engagement with
the first engagement recess 75a, the head H is in a coating film transfer tape replacement
position (vertical pulling position) X, as shown in FIGs. 12 (a) and 13 (a). In such
state, the pressing part 65a of the head H guides the coating film transfer tape T
in a same attitude as it is wound about the pay-out and winding reels 11 and 12, that
is, with front and back surfaces of the coating film transfer tape T oriented generally
perpendicularly (transversely) to the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b.
[0107] On the other hand, when the engagement projection 76 is in engagement with the second
engagement recess 75b (see FIG. 10), the head H is, as shown in FIGs. 12 (b) and 13
(b), in an application position (lateral pulling position) Y. In such state, the pressing
part 65a of the head H guides the coating film transfer tape T in such attitude that
it is generally faced against the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b of case 2, that is, with
the front and back surfaces of coating film transfer tape T facing in the direction
approximately same as that of (in parallel with) the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b.
[0108] Now, operation of the erasing tool 1 constructed in such manner is described below.
A. Operation:
[0109] As shown in FIG. 11 (b), the tool can be used in two different ways by rotating the
cap member 5, and selectively positioning the head H in one of two positions, the
vertical pulling position X (see FIGs. 12 (a) and 13 (a)) and lateral pulling position
Y (see FIGs. 12 (b) and 13 (b)).
1. Vertical pulling use: (See FIG. 14 (a))
[0110] This is suitable for partially correcting a sentence vertically written, for example,
in Japanese. For such operation, as shown in the figure, the gripping surfaces 2a,
2b of case 2 are held by fingers like a writing tool. Then, with the tool held in
such attitude, the pressing part 65a of head H is brought into contact with the starting
end (upper end) of a correction area (transfer area) 80 containing an error or the
like to be corrected in a sheet surface, then the case 2 is moved vertically or downward
in relation to the sheet surface, and stopped at the terminal end (lower end) of the
correction area 80.
[0111] In such operation, the corrective paint layer (white) of coating film transfer tape
T in the pressing part 65a of head H is separated from the film base, and transferred
to cover the correction area 80. The error or the like is thereby erased, and a correct
letter can be readily written on the white corrective paint layer.
2. Lateral pulling use: (See FIG. 14 (b))
[0112] This is suitable for partially correcting a sentence laterally written, for example,
in English. For such operation, as shown in the figure, the gripping surfaces 2a,
2b of case 2 are held by fingers like a writing tool, and the pressing part 35a of
head H is brought into contact with the starting end (left end) of a correction area
80 with the tool held, as described above. Then, by moving the case 2 laterally or
rightward in relation to the sheet surface, and stopping it at the terminal end (right
end) of the correction area, an error or the like is erased, and a correct letter
can be readily written in that area.
B. Replacement of tape cartridge C:
[0113] When the coating film transfer tape T is completely used, and wound by the winding
reel 12 for collection from the pay-out reel 11, the tape cartridge C should be replaced
with a new one according to the following steps.
i) The head H is put into the coating film transfer tape replacement position X. That
is, although no operation is required when the head H is in the vertical pulling position
X, if it is in the lateral pulling position Y, the cap member 5 should be rotated,
and the head H is rotationally moved from the lateral pulling position Y to the coating
film transfer tape replacement position X.
As a result, the position of the coating film transfer tape T in the head H portion
is manipulated to be in a parallel state to the winding position of the pay-out reel
11 and winding reel 12 as shown in FIG. 13 (a), so that attaching or detaching of
the coating film transfer tape T in the head H may be easy through the tape setting
aperture 68.
ii) The case 2 is disassembled, and opened. In this operation, first the cap member
5 is pulled off the cylindrical leading end 6 of case 2, as shown in FIG. 11 (a),
then the semicylindrical half 4c is lifted with the cap 4 positioned in the upper
side, and the cap 4 is removed from the main case body 3.
iii) The used tape cartridge C (empty pay-out reel 11 and winding reel 7 with the
used coating film transfer tape T' collected thereabout) is detached, removing the
coating film transfer tape T from a setting position of the head H.
In this operation, by simply lifting the support base 10, the pay-out reel 11 and
winding reel 12 are simultaneously removed from the pay-out rotation part 30 and winding
rotation part 31 of the tape driving part D.
iv) An unused new tape cartridge C (pay-out reel 11 with an unused coating film transfer
tape T wound thereabout and winding reel 12) is placed as described above, then the
coating film transfer tape T is set to a specified position.
In this operation, because the guide pins 20, 21 are provided in the support base
10, and setting of the coating film transfer tape T to the guide pins 20, 21 is already
completed during manufacturing process of the tape cartridge C, it is only required
to set the coating film transfer tape T such that it passes through the pressing part
65a of the head H.
Besides, as the coating film transfer tape T is set with the paid-out leading end
Ta paid out beforehand by a length corresponding to a distance of the pay-out reel
11 to the head H, the setting operation is easily and surely completed only by inserting
the paid-out leading end Ta from an upper side of the head body 65 of the head H,
and positioning it in both sides of the head body, as shown in FIG. 1. After the setting
operation is completed, the stopper 25 is removed from the tape cartridge C.
By the setting operation, the coating film transfer tape T is set in such manner that
it is paid out of the pay-out reel 11, inverted through the pressing part 65a of head
H via the guide pin 20, and wound about the winding reel 12 via the guide pin 21,
as shown in FIG. 3.
The head H may be once removed, and reattached after the sequential steps for setting
the tape may be performed.
v) Then, by closing and assembling the case 2 again according to above steps in reverse
order, replacement of the used tape cartridge with a new one is completed.
Embodiment 2
[0114] The coating film transfer tool according to embodiment 2 is shown in FIG. 15 through
FIG. 23, and same or similar constituent parts as in embodiment 1 are identified with
same reference numerals as in embodiment 1.
[0115] The coating film transfer tool 101 is an erasing tool having the same refill structure
as in embodiment 1, but is slightly modified in structure, including the provision
of the coating film transfer head H in the tape cartridge C.
[0116] The erasing tool 101 comprises, as shown in FIG. 15, a tape cartridge C having a
coating film transfer head H, tape driving part D, and rotationally operated part
R attached to a case 2 that can be hand-held for operation. In the erasing tool 101,
the head H can be rotationally operated between a coating film transfer tape replacement
position (and vertical pulling position) X shown in FIGs. 12 (a) and 13 (a) and an
application position (lateral pulling position) Y in FIGs. 12 (b) and 13 (b). The
component parts are described one by one below.
I. Case 2:
[0117] The case 2 is formed in a flat box-like shape as shown, and has front contour and
width dimensions sufficient for incorporating the tape cartridge C and tape driving
part D. As described later, flat front and back surfaces 2a, 2b of the case 2 provide
gripping surfaces for manually holding the tool during operation.
[0118] The case 2 is a plastic molding obtained by injection or other molding method, and
comprises divided blocks of a main case body 3 and a cap 4. For this purpose, in an
opening of the main case body 3, a fitting recess 3a is provided over the entire circumference
thereof, and an engagement part 3b is provided at the rear end. A fitting rib 4a of
the cap 4 is fitted to the fitting recess 3a, and an engagement claw 4b of the cap
4 is engaged with the engagement part 3b. At the leading ends of the case main body
3 and cap 4, cylindrical halves 3c and 4c to be combined integrally by a cap member
5 are provided respectively.
[0119] For assembling the case 2, first of all, the engagement claw 4b in the cap 4 is brought
in engagement with the engagement claw in the case main body 3, and the cylindrical
halves 3c, 4c are assembled and integrated with each other, while the fitting rib
4a is fitted in the fitting recess 3a, then the cap member 5 is fitted into this assembled
portion (cylindrical leading end) 6, thereby completing the assembly. Although not
shown, instead of the engagement structure of the engagement part 3b and engagement
claw 4b, the cap 4 may be pivoted to the case main body 3 so as to be free to open
and close in the vertical direction.
[0120] The cap 4 has three remainder monitor windows 8a to 8c for monitoring the remaining
amount of the coating film transfer tape T.
II. Tape cartridge C:
[0121] The tape cartridge C is a component replaceable as a consumable item. Its detailed
structure is shown in FIGs. 16 to 19. The tape cartridge C comprises a pay-out reel
11 with the coating film transfer tape T wound thereabout, a winding reel 12 for collecting
used coating film transfer tape T', and the coating film transfer head H for pressing
the coating film transfer tape T onto a transfer area, all mounted on a support base
10, being detachably attached to the tape driving part D of the case main body 3 as
shown in FIG. 20.
[0122] The support base 10 is composed of a thin flat plate, and its material and dimensions
are selected to be as thin and compact as possible within a range of providing a strength
sufficient for holding the reels 11, 12 and the coating film transfer head H. In other
words, the support base 10 is required to function for holding the reels 11, 12 and
head H at corresponding positions only until they are attached to the tape driving
part D and the cylindrical leading end 6 as the head holding part. Therefore, the
support base 10 is desired to be as thin and compact as possible, as far as a minimum
strength for achieving the function is assured.
[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the support base 10 is made of AS (acrylonitrile-styrene)
resin or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. The thickness of the support
base 10 is set at 1 mm or less. A front shape of the support base 10 is nearly an
oval form along the outer circumference of the reels 11, 12, as shown in FIG. 17.
At the leading end portion of the support base 10, a head mounting part 90 is provided
integrally. A surface or upper surface 10a of the support base 10 serves as a running
and guiding surface of the coating film transfer tape T.
[0124] The pay-out reel 11 and winding reel 12 are provided with hollow drum parts 11a,
12a, respectively, for winding the coating film transfer tape T thereabout. The drum
parts 11a, 12a have, in their center, attachment holes 11b, 12b with such tooth profile
engagement parts as serration or spline.
[0125] The drum parts 11a, 12a of the reels 11, 12 are rotatably supported with support
ends thereof in support holes 10b, 10c of the support base 10. Specifically, annular
fitting grooves 13, 13 are formed in a support end of the drum parts 11a, 12a, respectively.
These fitting grooves 13, 13 are rotatably fitted and supported in an inner edge of
the support holes 10b, 10c. In this connection, in an outer circumferential part of
the support holes 10b, 10c, as shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of slits 14, 14 ... are
radially extended for inserting the drum parts, respectively.
[0126] The coating film transfer tape T is wound about an outer circumference of the drum
part 11a in the pay-out reel 11. The coating film transfer tape T is guided through
the coating film transfer head H, and its leading end is connected to an outer circumference
of the drum part 12a in the winding reel 12.
[0127] The specific construction of the coating film transfer tape T is same as in embodiment
1.
[0128] A free end of the drum part 11a in the pay-out reel 11 is left as an open end. A
free end of the drum part 12a in the winding reel 12 is provided with a guide flange
15 for running the tape.
[0129] In this relation, moreover, the support base 10 is provided with a tape protective
wall 17 for protecting the outer circumference of the coating film transfer tape T
wound about the pay-out reel 11. This tape protective wall 17 is a thin plate having
a same thickness as the support base 10. The tape protective wall 17 is provided upright
and integrally along the rear edge of the support base 10 so as to cover the outer
circumference of the pay-out reel 11, more specifically, the outer circumference of
the coating film transfer tape T wound thereabout.
[0130] By this tape protective wall 17, when assembling the tape cartridge C, the coating
film transfer tape T is prevented from being dislocated from the pay-out reel 11 accidentally,
and when handling the tape cartridge C, it covers and protects the coating film layer
on the outermost surface of the coating film transfer tape T, that is, the corrective
paint layer. This tape protective wall 17 may be provided at least over the shown
range, from the viewpoint of lightening, downsizing and simplifying the structure
of the tape cartridge C, but a specific forming range may be adequately varied depending
on the purpose.
[0131] As shown in FIG. 20, the configuration of the reels 11, 12 on the support base 10
is determined so that the attachment holes 11b, 12b are coaxial, respectively, with
the pay-out rotation part 30 and winding rotation part 31 of the tape driving part
D mentioned below.
[0132] Additionally, a pair of guide pins 20, 21 are integrally provided upright for guiding
the coating film transfer tape T, in the support base 10 near the mounting positions
of the reels 11, 12. The guide pin 20 is for guiding the coating film transfer tape
T paid out of the pay-out reel 11. The other guide pin 21 is for guiding the coating
film transfer tape T' that is taken up on the winding reel 12.
[0133] Further, a collared guide roller 22 is freely rotatably pivoted on the guide pin
21 at the winding side. By means of such arrangement, smooth and neat winding guide
of the coating film transfer tape T' is encouraged, and if there is a coating film
lever over on the coating film transfer tape T' due to transfer faire, the trouble
of the coating film transfer tape T' being wound into the guide pin 21 can be avoided
securely. A similar guide roller may be also attached to the guide pin 20 of the pay-out
side.
[0134] Besides, to prevent loosening of the coating film transfer tape T before mounting,
the pay-out reel 11 and winding reel 12 are prevented from rotating by a stopper 25
as indicated by double dot chain line in FIGs. 17 and 18. This stopper 25 is made
of a material similar to that of the support base 10. The stopper 25 is formed in
such shape and dimensions, as shown in the figures, that it extends over the attachment
holes 11b, 12b of reels 11, 12, and provided with a pair of engagement projections
25a, 25b in a lower surface thereof. Then, by removable fitting engagement between
the engagement projections 25a, 25b and the attachment holes 11b, 12b, respectively,
the reels 11, 12 are stopped and held against rotation. The stopper 25 may be made
of paper.
III. Coating film transfer head H:
[0135] The coating film transfer head H is designed to press the coating film transfer tape
T onto a correction area (transfer area) of an error or the like on the sheet of paper.
This head H is mounted on a head mounting part 90 of the support base 10 rotatably
about its axial center.
[0136] The head H is a plastic integral forming having a certain elasticity. The head H
consists of a head main body 65 for guiding and pressing the coating film transfer
tape T, and a bearing 66 borne rotatably.
[0137] The head main body 65 is a thin plate slightly wider than the coating film transfer
tape T. The head main body 65 is tapered in section so as to be gradually thin toward
the leading end, and its leading end 65a is the pressing part for pressing the coating
film transfer tape T. At both edges of the head main body 65, guide flanges 65b, 65b
are formed for guiding the running of the coating film transfer tape T.
[0138] The bearing 66 is semicylindrical with an arcuate section and an open top as shown
in FIG. 23. In the central part of this semicylindrical bearing 66, the head main
body 65 is formed integrally as shown in the drawing. The open part 31a of this bearing
31 is a tape setting opening to the head main body 65. The tape setting opening 68
is disposed so that the coating film transfer tape T may be directly inserted in the
state being wound about the reels 11, 12 when the head H is at the coating film transfer
tape replacement position X, and it is designed so that setting of the coating film
transfer tape T in the head main body 65 may be easy.
[0139] The basal end portion of the bearing 66 is rotatably supported on the head mounting
part 90, and the remaining leading end portion is rotatably supported on the cylindrical
leading end 6 of the case 2 when mounting onto the case 2.
[0140] In addition, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), in the mounting structure of the bearing 66
onto the head mounting part 90, a positioning protrusion 92 is projected on the outer
circumference of the basal end portion of the bearing 66. At the leading end 90a of
the head mounting part 90 for supporting the bearing 66, an engagement opening 93
to be engaged with the protrusion 92 is extended in the circumferential direction.
[0141] By the engagement of the protrusion 92 and engagement opening 93, the head H is positioned
in the axial direction in the head mounting part 66, and is mounted rotatably about
its axial center. Hence, while maintaining a simple structure, the ease of operation
when replacing the tape by the user is assured.
[0142] The rotational range of the head H in this case is defined by the circumferential
length of the engagement opening 93 engaged with the protrusion 92, and in the illustrated
example, more specifically, it is set corresponding to the rotational operation range
of the head H by the rotationally operated part R mentioned later.
[0143] Consecutively to the leading end 90a of the head mounting part 90, a mounting part
main body 90b is provided. This mounting part main body 90b has an inside cylindrical
guide surface corresponding to the inside cylindrical surface of the bearing 66, thereby
a tape guide part for guiding the coating film transfer tape T in cooperation with
the guide pins 20, 21 is formed. This tape guide part 90b makes the job easy and secure
when setting the coating film transfer tape T on the guide pins 20, 21 and head H
when assembling the tape cartridge C. Moreover, the tape guide part 90b prevents,
same as the tape protective wall 17, the coating film transfer tape T from being dislocated
unexpectedly from the setting state, and covers and protects, when handling the tape
cartridge C, the coating film layer on the outermost surface of the coating film transfer
tape T, that is, the corrective paint layer.
[0144] In thus constituted tape cartridge C, as shown in FIG. 20 (a) (b), it is set by one
touch by mounting the support base 10 on the both rotation parts 30, 31 while engaging
the both reels 11, 12 and the head H with the both rotation parts 30, 31 of the tape
driving part D and the cylindrical half 3c of the case main body 3 from the upper
side, respectively. On the other hand, by directly lifting the support base 10 to
the upper side, the reels 11, 12 and head H can be easily detached instantly from
the rotation parts 30, 31 and cylindrical half 3c, respectively.
IV. Tape driving part D:
[0145] The tape driving part D is provided in the main case body 3. The tape driving part
D comprises mainly, as shown in FIGs. 20 and 21, a pay-out rotation part 30 for rotatably
driving the pay-out reel 11, a winding rotation part 31 for rotatably driving the
winding reel 12, an interlocking part 32 for interlocking the rotation parts 30, 31,
and a clutch mechanism 33.
[0146] The pay-out rotation part 30 comprises a drive side rotary gear 44 for composing
the interlocking part 32, and a driven member 46.
[0147] A hollow rotary shaft 44a of the drive side rotary gear 44 is rotatably borne on
a hollow support shaft 47 provided upright on the inner side of the case main body
3. At the leading end of the hollow support shaft 47, a stopper is provided for preventing
the rotary shaft 44a from slipping out.
[0148] The driven member 46 composes a tape winding part together with the drum 11a of the
pay-out reel 11, and is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. This driven member 46
is rotatably provided on the rotary shaft 44a of the drive side rotary gear 44. On
the outer circumference of the driven member 46, a toothed engagement part 46a such
as serration and spline is formed as shown in the drawing. At the leading end of the
rotary shaft 44a, a stopper is provided to prevent the driven member 46 from slipping
out.
[0149] The winding rotation part 31 has a driven side rotary gear 48 for composing the interlocking
part 42. A hollow rotary shaft 48a of the rotary gear 48 is rotatably borne on a hollow
support shaft 49 provided upright on the inner surface of the case main body 3. At
the leading end of the hollow support shaft 49, a stopper is provided for preventing
the rotary shaft 48a from slipping out. On the outer circumference of the rotary shaft
48a, a toothed engagement part 55 such as serration and spline is formed.
[0150] The interlocking part 32 is composed of the drive side rotary gear 44 and driven
side rotary gear 48. The both rotary gears 44, 48 are engaged with each other at a
specific gear ratio. Accordingly, the winding rotation part 31 is rotated in interlock
with the pay-out rotation part 30 always at a specific rotation ratio. This rotation
ratio, that is, the gear ratio of the both gears 44 and 48 is determined properly
so that the coating film transfer tape T may be paid out and wound smoothly, in consideration
of the winding diameters of the coating film transfer tape T on the pay-out reel 11
and winding reel 12.
[0151] The clutch mechanism 33 is designed to synchronize the pay-out speed and winding
speed of the coating film transfer tape T in the pay-out reel 11 and winding reel
12, and is provided in the pay-out rotation part 30.
[0152] A specific constitution of the clutch mechanism 33 is shown in FIG. 22 (a). The clutch
mechanism 33 has a friction member 51 interposed between the drive side rotary gear
44 and driven member 46.
[0153] As the friction member 51, an elastomer O-ring as shown in FIG. 22 (b) is used. The
O-ring 51 composes a power transmission part between the drive side rotary gear 44
as the rotation driving part, and the driven member 46 as the tape winding part 45.
This O-ring 51 is specifically a silicone rubber ring having a circular section. The
O-ring 51 is elastically interposed between the confronting end surfaces in the axial
direction of both members 44, 46, and these three members contact mutually in frictional
engagement state.
[0154] Therefore, in power transmission of the clutch mechanism 33, the frictional force
by thrust load acting between the both members 44, 46 is utilized. This frictional
force is set to the optimum value mainly by properly adjusting the distance between
the engagement surfaces of the both members 44, 46, and the diameter of the section
of the O-ring 51.
[0155] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 21, the winding rotation part 31 is provided with a reverse
rotation preventive mechanism 60 for preventing reverse rotation of the both reels
11, 12, same as in embodiment 1. The specific structure of the reverse rotation preventive
mechanism 60 is, as mentioned above, shown in FIG. 8.
[0156] Although not shown in the drawings, in relation to the reverse rotation preventive
mechanism 60, a conventional rewinding mechanism may be provided in the tape driving
part D for correcting the looseness of the coating film transfer tape T.
[0157] Accordingly, by pressing action of the coating film transfer head H described later,
when a tensile force (in the direction of arrow A) applied to the coating film transfer
tape T acts as a rotational torque to the pay-out reel 11, the drive side rotary gear
44 is rotated through the tape winding parts 45 (11a and 46) of the pay-out reel 11,
and clutch mechanism 33. The rotational torque effects rotation of the driven side
rotary gear 48 and further the winding reel 12 in interlock through the interlock
part 32, thereby winding up the coating film transfer tape T' automatically after
use.
[0158] In this case, the ratio of rotation (corresponding to the ratio of outer diameters)
between the drive side rotary gear 44 and driven side rotary gear 48 is unchanged
at any time, while the ratio of outer diameter between the coating film transfer tape
T about the pay-out reel 11 and the coating film transfer tape T' about the winding
reel 12 changes in the time course, and is inconstant. It means that the outer diameter
of the coating film transfer tape T about the pay-out reel 11 is gradually reduced
as the tape is used, while the outer diameter of the coating film transfer tape T'
about the winding reel 12 is increased on the contrary.
[0159] Therefore, the winding speed of the winding reel 12 is increased in comparison with
the pay-out speed of pay-out reel 11 as time elapses, and the synchronism of the two
speeds is broken and the rotational torque acting to the pay-out reel 11 is also gradually
increased. Then, as the rotational torque overcomes the frictional force of the clutch
mechanism 33, and the tape winding parts 45 (11a, 46) slip and rotate relatively on
the drive side rotary gear 44. As a result, the rotational torque difference between
the reels 11 and 12 is canceled, and the pay-out speed and winding speed are mutually
synchronized, thereby assuring smooth running of the coating film transfer tape T.
V. Rotationally operated part R:
[0160] The rotationally operated part R is for rotationally operating the head H of the
tape cartridge C. The rotationally operated part R comprises a cap member 5 as an
operating member detachably attached to the cylindrical leading end 6, and a positioning
part 71 provided on an outer circumference of the cylindrical leading end 6.
[0161] The cap member 5 is an integral molding of plastic material, and comprises a base
part 72 fitted over the cylindrical leading end 6, and an engagement part 73 integrally
engaged with the head H in the rotating direction.
[0162] The base part 72 serves as an assembly fixing member for the case 2 and as a rotationally
operated part. A cylindrical bore of the base part 72 is set so that it can be rotatably
fitted over the outer circumference of cylindrical leading end 6, and that multiple
toothed anti-slip ribs are formed on an outer circumference thereof as shown in the
drawing. The engagement part 73 is provided with a through hole 74 for receiving the
head H. The shape and dimension of the through hole 74 are set so that the cap member
5 and the head H are integrally engaged with each other in the rotating direction,
when the head H is inserted, as shown in FIG. 23 (b).
[0163] The positioning part 71 is for resiliently positioning and fixing the cap member
5 in position in the direction of rotation. A pair of positioning parts 71, 71 are
provided at the confronting positions on the outer circumference of the cylindrical
leading end 6. The pair of positioning parts 71, 71 are identical in structure, and
the positioning part 71 on the side of cylindrical half 4c in the cap 4 is described
below.
[0164] The positioning part 71 comprises, as shown in FIG. 9, a fit-in guide groove 71a
extending linearly in the axial direction of the cylindrical leading end 6, and an
anchor guide groove 71b extending from an end of the fit-in guide groove 71a in the
circumferential direction of the cylindrical leading end 6. In the embodiment shown,
the anchor guide groove 71b is formed in a range of central angle of 90° of the cylindrical
leading end 6, as shown in FIG. 23 (b). Moreover, first and second engagement parts
75a and 75b are provided at both ends of the anchor guide groove 71b.
[0165] The first and second engagement parts 75a and 75b are formed as recesses deeper than
the guide grooves 71a, 71b. The engagement recesses 75a, 75b are disengageably engaged
with an engagement projection 76 that is provided on an inner circumference of the
cap member 5. In other words, the shape and dimension of the engagement projection
76 are set so that it is guided along the guide grooves 71a, 71b, while it is elastically
changed in shape to some relative extent, and fitted in the engagement recesses 75a,
75b through elastic restoration.
[0166] The engagement configuration of the engagement projection 76 and engagement recesses
75a, 75b is set same as in embodiment 1.
[0167] That is, when the engagement projection 76 of cap member 5 is in engagement with
the first engagement recess 75a, the head H is in a coating film transfer tape replacement
position (vertical pulling position) X, as shown in FIGs. 12 (a) and 13 (a). In such
state, the pressing part 65a of head H guides the coating film transfer tape T in
a same attitude as it is wound about the pay-out reel 11 and winding reel 12, that
is, with front and back surfaces of the coating film transfer tape T oriented generally
perpendicularly (orthogonally) to the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b.
[0168] On the other hand, when the engagement projection 76 is in engagement with the second
engagement recess 75b (see FIG. 23 (b)), the head H is, as shown in FIGs. 12 (b) and
13 (b), in an application position (lateral pulling position) Y. In such state, the
pressing part 65a of head H guides the coating film transfer tape T in such attitude
that it is generally faced against the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b of case 2, that is,
with the front and back surfaces of coating film transfer tape T facing in the direction
approximately same as that of (in parallel with) the gripping surfaces 2a, 2b.
[0169] In this way, when the head H is at the coating film transfer tape replacement position
X, the cap member 5 is fitted onto the cylindrical leading end 6 of the case 2 as
shown in FIG. 11 (a), and from this state, by rotating and operating the cap member
5 together with the head H from the coating film transfer tape replacement position
X to the application position Y, the case 2 is assembled and fixed.
[0170] Now, operation of the erasing tool 101 constructed in such manner is described below.
A. Operation:
[0171] As shown in FIG. 11 (b), the tool 101 can be used in two different ways by rotating
the cap member 5, and selectively positioning the head H in one of two positions,
the vertical pulling position X (see FIGs. 12 (a) and 13 (a)) and lateral pulling
position Y (see FIGs. 12 (b) and 13 (b)).
(i) Vertical pulling use: (See FIG. 14 (a))
[0172] This is suitable for partially correcting a sentence vertically written, for example,
in Japanese. For such operation, as shown in the figure, the gripping surfaces 2a,
2b of case 2 are held by fingers like a writing tool, and in this state, the pressing
part 65a of head H is brought into contact with the starting end (upper end) of a
correction area (transfer area) 80 containing an error or the like to be corrected
on a sheet surface. Then the case 2 is moved vertically or downward in relation to
the sheet surface, and stopped at the terminal end (lower end) of the correction area
80.
[0173] In such operation, the corrective paint layer (white) of coating film transfer tape
T in the pressing part 65a of head H is separated from the film base, and transferred
to cover the correction area 80. The error or the like of the correction area 80 is
thereby erased, and a correct letter can be readily written thereon.
(ii) Lateral pulling use: (See FIG. 14 (b))
[0174] This is suitable for partially correcting a sentence laterally written, for example,
in English. For such operation, as shown in the figure, the gripping surfaces 2a,
2b of case 2 are held by fingers like a writing tool, and the pressing part 65a of
head H is brought into contact with the starting end (left end) of a correction area
80 with the tool held, as described above. Then, by moving the case 2 laterally or
rightward in relation to the sheet surface, and stopping it at the terminal end (right
end) of the correction area 80, an error or the like is erased, and a correct letter
can be readily written thereon.
B. Replacement of tape cartridge C:
[0175] When the coating film transfer tape T is completely used, and wound on the winding
reel 12 being collected from the pay-out reel 11, the tape cartridge C should be replaced
with a new one according to the following steps.
(i) The case 3 is disassembled and opened. First, the cap member 5 is drawn out from
the cylindrical leading end 6 of the case 2 as shown in FIG. 11 (a).
In this case, when the head H is at the vertical pulling operation position, that
is, at the coating film transfer tape replacement position X, the cap member 5 can
be pulled out directly. On the other hand, when the head H is at the lateral pulling
operation position Y, by rotating the cap member 5, the head H is pulled out after
rotating from the lateral pulling operation position Y to the coating film transfer
tape replacement position X.
In succession, when the cap 4 is at the upper side, the cylindrical half 4c is lifted
to the upper side, and the cap 4 is detached from the case main body 3, or opened.
(ii) The used tape cartridge C (empty pay-out reel 11 + winding reel 12 collecting
used coating film transfer tape T' + head H) is directly taken out of the case main
body 3.
That is, by lifting the support base 10 directly to the upper side, the pay-out reel
11, winding reel 12, and head H are simultaneously detached from the pay-out rotation
part 30 and winding rotation part 31 of the tape driving part D, and the cylindrical
half 3c of the case main body 3.
(iii) A new tape cartridge C (pay-out reel 11 winding a new coating film transfer
tape T + winding reel 12 + head H) is mounted on the case main body 3 in the above
procedure.
That is, the guide pins 20, 21, and head H are provided in the support base 10, and
setting of the coating film transfer tape T on the guide pins 20, 21 and head H is
already completed in the production step of tape cartridge C. Therefore, when replacing
this tape, it is only enough to set the tape cartridge C in the case main body 3.
(iv) Then by assembling the case 2 again in the reverse procedure of the above, replacement
of used and new tape cartridges is over.
As shown in the drawing, since the rotating range of the head H is set corresponding
to the rotational operation range of the head H by the cap member 5, even for an inexperienced
user, it is easy and secure to position the head H into the cylindrical half 3c in
job (iii) and rotate the cap member 5 in succeeding job
(iv). Hence, ease of operation for replacing the tapes is assured, and misoperation
is effectively prevented.
[0176] The embodiment described above is only a preferred mode of carrying out the invention,
and it is appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto, and various design
modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirits and
scope thereof. For example, modifications described below are possible.
Tape cartridge C:
[0177]
(1) By employing a film base formed in one side thereof with an adhesive layer over
a release agent layer as the coating film transfer tape T, the tool can be used as
an adhesive applicator for transferring only the adhesive layer to a sheet surface
and the like.
In this case, for easy and secure transfer of the adhesive layer, as shown in FIG.
24, a transfer roller 110 is rotatably attached as a leading end pressing part to
the leading end of the head main body 65 of the head H by means of a support pin 111,
and it is more preferably when it is constituted so that the transfer roller 110 presses
the coating film transfer tape T while rotating.
(2) As the specific structure of the support base 10, it is not limited by the illustrated
example alone, as far as it is composed of a thin wall plate member having enough
strength for keeping the both reels 11, 12 at an interval corresponding to the both
rotation parts 30, 31 of the tape drive unit D in embodiment 1, or as far as it is
composed of a thin wall plate member having enough strength for keeping the both reels
11, 12 and the head H corresponding to the both rotation parts 30, 31 of the tape
drive unit D and the cylindrical leading end 6 of the case main body 3 in embodiment
2.
For example, in embodiment 1, the support base 10 may be composed of a paper board
material, and in this case, from the viewpoint of keeping strength, the guide pins
20, 21 are preferred to be provided at the case main body 3 side. Correspondingly
thereto, the support base 10 is provided with a notch or insertion hole (not shown)
as the portion for inserting the guide pins 20, 21.
(3) Although the free end of drum part 11a in the pay-out reel 11 is an open end in
the embodiment shown, considering a manufacturing process and cost of the tape cartridge
C, it may be arranged such that a guide flange 120 for tape running similar to that
of the winding reel 12 may be removably attached to the free end of drum part 11a,
as shown by a double dot chain line in FIG. 4 and FIG. 18.
With such arrangement, the guide flange 120 can be removed when winding the coating
film transfer tape T. Then, by attaching the guide flange 120 after winding of the
tape is completed, the coating film transfer tape T can be more smoothly paid out,
or when conveying or replacing the tape cartridge C, the trouble of the coating film
transfer tape T dislocating out of the drum 11a can be securely prevented.
Basic structure of the coating film transfer tool 1:
[0178]
(4) The specific structure of the interlock part 32 is not limited to the illustrated
example alone, but may be properly modified.
For example, the structure for making use of the frictional force by radial load is
employed in embodiment 1, and the structure for making use of frictional force by
thrust load is employed in embodiment 2, but either structure may be freely selected
depending on the purpose.
Moreover, instead of the interlock part 32 in embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 25, the
friction member 50 comprising O-ring may be omitted for reduction of product cost.
That is, the interlock parts 32 shown in FIGs. 25 (a) and (b) are both provided with
anti-skid parts 130, 131 on the outer circumference of the drive side rotary disk
37, and are composed so that the anti-skid parts 130, 131 may be elastically and frictionally
engaged with the outer circumference of the rotary disk 38 of the driven side. The
anti-skid parts 130, 131 have a certain elasticity in the radial direction of the
rotary disk 37.
The anti-skid part 130 shown in FIG. 25 (a) has plural elastic frictional parts 130a,
130a, ... provided at equal intervals on the whole circumference of the rotary disk
37. A notch 130b between the elastic frictional parts 130a, 130a is slightly inclined
with respect to the radial direction of the rotary disk 37. Accordingly, each elastic
frictional part 130a is free to deform elastically slightly in the radial direction
of the rotary disk 37, and its outer circumference is elastically and frictionally
engaged with the outer circumference of the rotary disk 38.
On the other hand, the anti-skid part 131 shown in FIG. 25 (b) has the outer circumference
of the rotary disk 37 in an annular elastic frictional part 131a, and this elastic
frictional part 131a is supported by plural support ribs 131b, 131b, .... These support
ribs 131b, 131b, ... are extended with a slight inclination with respect to the radial
direction of the rotary disk 37. As a result, the elastic frictional part 131a is
free to deform elastically slightly in the radial direction of the rotary disk 37,
and its outer circumference is elastically and frictionally engaged with the outer
circumference of the rotary disk 38.
(5) Incidentally, the interlock part 32 in embodiment 1 has both rotation transmission
function and sliding function, but as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication
No. 5-13800 or Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-58097, these functions may be provided
independently.
(6) In the illustrated embodiment, the head H can be rotated to both vertical pulling
operation position X and lateral pulling operation position Y, so that vertical pulling
use and lateral pulling use can be freely selected, but the invention may be also
applied to the coating film transfer tool of the structure fixed to either method
of use. For example, in the structure for lateral pulling use only, the vertical pulling
operation position X in the illustrated embodiment is omitted, so that the first and
second engagement parts 75a, 75b may be omitted.
[0179] As specifically described herein, in the tape cartridge of the invention, a pay-out
reel mounting a coating film transfer tape and a winding reel for collecting the coating
film transfer tape after use are rotatably provided on a support base of a thin wall
flat plate, and the both reels are designed to be engaged, detachably and integrally
rotatably, with pay-out rotation part and winding rotation part provided rotatably
in the case, and therefore the used and new cartridges can be replaced easily, promptly
and securely, by a single touch, together with the support base.
[0180] That is, while the reels are being engaged with the pay-out rotation part and winding
rotation part of the case main body, only by putting the support base on the both
rotation parts and setting the coating film transfer tape on the coating film transfer
head of the case main body, replacement job is over. Therefore, for a general user,
not requiring skill in job, easy and secure replacement job is guaranteed.
[0181] In particular, this replacement job may be done easily and securely, without having
to set the coating film transfer tape on the head by the user, as far as the coating
film transfer head for pressing the coating film tape onto the transfer area is provided
in the support base, and the coating film transfer tape being paid out from the pay-out
reel is designed to be wound about the winding reel through the leading end pressing
part of the head.
[0182] Still more, the support base is a thin wall flat plate, and constituent parts including
the both reels are held by this support base only, and therefore the number of parts
may be reduced, the structure is small and compact, and the product cost is lowered.
As a result, while sufficiently making the advantage of the refill structure capable
of saving resources and lowering the running cost, the coating film transfer tool
itself can be reduced in size, and its portability and ease of hand-held operation
can be maintained.
[0183] Besides, in the coating film transfer tool of the invention, the head can be rotated
between the coating film transfer tape replacement position and application position,
and when the leading end pressing part of the head is at the coating film transfer
tape replacement position, the coating film transfer tape is guided as being wound
on the pay-out reel and winding reel, and when the leading end pressing part of the
head is at the application position, the coating film transfer tape is guided as being
nearly opposite to the gripping surfaces of the case, thereby the structure is realized
to satisfy the two hitherto impossible requests of lateral pulling use and replacement
of coating film transfer tape.
[0184] The practical embodiment shown in the detailed description of the invention is taken
only for clarifying technical details of the invention only, and the invention, therefore,
is not limited to the embodiment described above, and should not be understood in
a narrow sense, but should be understood in a broad sense that various modifications
may be made in the invention within the spirits thereof and the scope defined by the
claims.
1. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool for transferring a coating
film on a coating film transfer tape to a sheet surface and the like, which may be
replaceably placed in a case of the coating film transfer tool comprising:
a thin and flat support base having a geometric shape and dimensions for allowing
accommodation in the case;
a pay-out reel rotatably provided in the support base, and having the coating film
transfer tape wound thereabout; and
a winding reel rotatably provided in the support base for collecting the coating
film transfer tape after use,
wherein the reels are constructed such that they are detachably engaged and integrally
rotatable with a pay-out rotation part and a winding rotation part provided rotatably
in the case.
2. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein the support base comprises a thin plate having a strength sufficient for
holding the pay-out reel and the winding reel with a spacing corresponding to the
rotation parts, and provides a guide surface for running the coating film transfer
tape in one side thereof.
3. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein a tape protective wall of a thin plate is provided in the support base
upright and integrally so as to cover the outer circumference of the pay-out reel.
4. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein the pay-out reel is rotatably supported in a support end of drum part thereof
by the support base, and
the winding reel is rotatably supported in a support end of drum part thereof by
the support base, and provided with a tape guide flange in a free end thereof.
5. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 4,
wherein the free end of the drum part of the pay-out reel is an open end the tape
guide flange is provided at the free end of the drum part of the take-up reel.
6. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 5,
wherein a tape guide flange is detachably attached to the free end of drum part
of the pay-out reel.
7. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein the support base is provided with a guide pin for guiding the coating film
transfer tape that is paid out of the pay-out reel and a guide pin for guiding the
coating film transfer tape that is wound by the winding reel.
8. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 7,
wherein a guide roller for rotationally guiding the coating film transfer tape
is freely rotatably supported by the guide pin at least in the winding side.
9. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein the support base is provided with a receiving part for receiving a guide
pin that is provided in the case of the coating film transfer tool for guiding the
coating film transfer tape.
10. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein a stopper for stopping and holding the reels against rotation is detachably
provided.
11. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein a paid-out leading end of the coating film transfer tape comprises a film
base without a coating film, and set with a length corresponding to a distance between
the pay-out reel and a head of the case paid out.
12. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 1,
wherein the support base is provided with a coating film transfer head for pressing
the coating film transfer tape paid out from the pay-out reel onto a transfer area,
the coating film transfer tape paid out from the pay-out reel is wound on the winding
reel through the leading end pressing part of the head, and
the head is held, detachably and projectively, in the head holding part provided
in the leading end of the case.
13. A tape cartridge for use with a coating film transfer tool according to claim 12,
wherein the head is supported, rotatably between the coating film transfer tape
replacement position and application position, in the head mounting part integrally
provided in the support base, and
the leading end pressing part of the head is designed to guide the coating film
transfer tape in a same attitude as it is wound about the pay-out reel and winding
reel, at the coating film transfer tape replacement position.
14. A tape cartridge for transferring a coating film according to claim 13,
wherein the head consists of the head main body having the leading end pressing
part, and a bearing rotatably borne on the head mounting part,
the bearing is semicylindrical having a tape setting opening to the head main body,
and
the tape setting opening is located so as to pass the coating film transfer tape
in a state being wound on the pay-out reel and winding reel when the head is at the
coating film transfer tape replacement position.
15. A tape cartridge for transferring a coating film according to claim 14,
wherein a transfer roller for composing the leading end pressing part is rotatably
attached to the leading end of the head main body.
16. A tape cartridge for transferring a coating film according to claim 14,
wherein the head mounting part of the support base has a tape guide part having
a cylindrical guide surface corresponding to the inside cylindrical surface of the
bearing of the head.
17. A tape cartridge for transferring a coating film according to claim 1,
wherein the coating film transfer tape forms a releasing agent layer on one side
of a film base, and a white corrective paint layer is formed thereon, and a pressure
sensitive adhesive agent layer is formed further thereon.
18. A tape cartridge for transferring a coating film according to claim 1,
wherein the coating film transfer tape forms an adhesive layer, through a releasing
agent layer, on one side of a film base.
19. A coating film transfer tool comprising:
a case having a shape and dimensions for allowing operation by holding it with
one hand, and having a pair of confronting gripping surfaces for allowing to be held
by hand like holding a writing tool;
a pay-out rotation part rotatably provided in the case;
a winding rotation part rotatably provided in the case;
a tape cartridge with a pay-out reel and a winding reel detachably engaged, respectively,
with the rotation parts for integral rotation therewith; and
a coating film transfer head projecting from a leading end of the case for pressing
a coating film transfer tape in the pay-out reel against a transfer area,
wherein the tape cartridge comprises a support base in a form of a flat plate having
a geometric shape and dimensions for allowing accommodation in the case, the pay-out
reel rotatably provided in the support base for paying out the coating film transfer
tape that is wound thereabout and the winding reel rotatably provided in the support
base for collecting the coating film transfer tape after use, and
the coating film transfer tape paid out of the pay-out reel passes through a pressing
part of the head, and is wound about the winding reel.
20. A coating film transfer tool according to claim 19,
wherein the head is fixedly projected in a leading end of the case such that the
pressing part in the leading end thereof guides the coating film transfer tape as
it is wound about the pay-out and winding reels.
21. A coating film transfer tool according to claim 19,
wherein the head is rotatably operated between a coating film transfer tape replacement
position and an application position, and
the pressing part in the leading end of the head is arranged such that it guides
the coating film transfer tape as it is wound about the pay-out and winding reels
in the coating film transfer tape replacement position, and guides the tape as it
generally faces against gripping surfaces of the case in the application position.
22. A coating film transfer tool according to claim 21,
wherein the head consists of the head main body having the leading end pressing
part, and a bearing rotatably borne on the head mounting part,
the bearing is semicylindrical having a tape setting opening to the head main body,
and
the tape setting opening is located so as to pass the coating film transfer tape
in a state being wound on the pay-out reel and winding reel when the head is at the
coating film transfer tape replacement position.
23. A coating film transfer tool comprising:
a case having a shape and dimensions for allowing operation by holding it with
one hand, and having a pair of confronting gripping surfaces for allowing to be held
by hand like holding a writing tool;
a pay-out rotation part rotatably provided in the case;
a winding rotation part rotatably provided in the case;
a tape cartridge detachably installed in the both rotation part; and
a head holding part provided at the leading end of the case for positioning and
holding a coating film transfer head,
wherein the tape cartridge comprises:
a support base in a form of a flat plate having a geometric shape and dimensions
for allowing accommodation in the case,
a pay-out reel rotatably provided in the support base winding the coating film
transfer tape thereabout,
the coating film transfer head provided in the support base for pressing the coating
film transfer tape paid out from the pay-out reel onto a transfer area, and
a winding reel rotatably provided in the support base for taking up and collecting
the coating film transfer tape after use by way of the coating film transfer head,
the pay-out reel and winding reel are structured to be detachably and integrally
rotatably engaged with the pay-out rotation part and winding rotation part, respectively,
and
the head is held in the head holding part, detachably and in a projecting form.
24. A coating film transfer tool according to claim 23,
wherein the head holding part has an operation member for rotating and operating
the head between the coating film transfer tape replacement position and the application
position.
25. A coating film transfer tool according to claim 24,
wherein the operation member can be engaged with the head holding part when the
head is at the coating film transfer tape replacement position, and is designed to
assemble and fix the case by rotating and operating the head from the coating film
transfer tape replacement position to the application position.
26. A coating film transfer tool according to claim 23,
wherein the leading end pressing part of the head is designed to guide the coating
film transfer tape nearly opposite to the gripping surfaces of the case.